Astronomy & Space - Far Out - Measuring the Universe

How far is a star or a galaxy? Scaling and measuring the cosmos is a complex problem. Scientists are integrating mathematical applications and scientific technology to create standards. Distances are so vast they are described in light years ‰ÛÒ the distance light travels in a year. Nearby stars are measured by trigonometry ‰ÛÒ the technique of parallax. Farther out, astronomers use so-called ‰ÛÏstandard candles‰۝, the ‰Û÷Type Ia supernovae‰۪ is the standard candle basis. Beyond that the electromagnetic ‰ÛÏredshift‰۝ of galaxies reveals their distances.